Supporting People into Work 2022-10-31
2022-10-31
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Unemployment is at a low of 3.5%, lowest in nearly 50 years.
What steps he is taking to help more people enter the workforce?
Unemployment is at 3.5%. We have recruited an extra 13,000-plus job coaches and are rolling out our new in-work progression offer.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Staff at Loughborough Jobcentre supporting small business owners and self-employed individuals.
What steps is the Department for Work and Pensions taking across the country to help support small business owners and the growth of the self-employed?
Universal credit gives a 12-month start-up period for self-employed individuals to grow their earnings. This is believed to be the way forward.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps and actions taken across the country were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Vacancies exist in many industries, suggesting a need to ensure that work pays through the tax system.
Will the Minister discuss with fellow Ministers in the Treasury more changes to the tax system to make sure that work does pay?
Working on changes, including reducing taper rate from 63% to 55%, additional work by job coaches, sector-based work academy and increased work allowance adding £1,000 for individuals.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions with the Treasury or timeline were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Many people are unable to return to work due to NHS backlogs and doctor retirements due to pension cap issues.
When will the Government rectify the NHS backlog issue, allowing more doctors to stay in the profession, patients to get operations quickly and people to return to work?
The Treasury is looking at high earners' pension situation specifically. They will address it shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline or comprehensive plan for rectifying the issue was not provided.
Response accuracy